Funeral for navy man ‘Spyder’

Funeral of Cedric Mervyn Webb at the United Church of All Saints in Stanley Common on Tuesday.

Published:16:32Tuesday 09 February 2016

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A military funeral was held today for a ‘true rugby man’ from Stanley Common .

Cedric Mervyn Webb, known in the rugby world as ‘Spyder Webb’, died on January 26, aged 66.

Mourners gathered at United Church of All Saints, where a military funeral was held. Navy rugby players and family members acting as pall bearers.

A white ensign, that covered his coffin, was presented to Mr Webb’s eldest son George following the internment. Terry Hall, chairman of the Ilkeston branch of the Royal British Legion presented the ensign.

Mr Webb was in the navy from 1964 until 1999 and was team selector for the Royal Navy rugby team. He was also a trainer for the Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew competitions at the Royal Tournament at Earls Court, London.

He went to Stanley Common C of E primary school and Scargill secondary school at West Hallam. He joined the Royal Navy in October 1964, aged 15, as a junior electrical mechanic . He was mainly an aircraft man, serving on aircraft carriers and maintaining helicopters.

He leaves two children, aged 14 and age 16 who live in Gloucestershire.

An article on the Navy Rugby Union website states that Spyda Webb’s name will ‘always be engraved in the history of the union.’

It said: “He will be fondly remembered by all those who were fortunate to work, play and most definitely tour with him.

“The comments that have flooded in to the Royal Navy Rugby Union since Spyda’s passing from the players he nurtured in his years as Bagman will remain the most fitting testament to the contribution he made over those many years.”

His funeral was organised with the help of the Ilkeston Royal British Legion